Nursing Professors Shery Watson and Susan DeNisco (seated, 2nd from left) with faculty members of the Institute of Technology Tralee after signing a partnership agreement on May 27, 2014. Photo by Domnick Walsh (contributed photos)

FAIRFIELD, CT - Irish eyes are smiling now that an exciting new partnership between the Sacred Heart University School of Nursing and the Institute of Technology Tralee has been forged. Located in County Kerry, Ireland (approximately one hour north of SHU’s campus in Dingle), the schools’ partnership is a natural progression and something SHU Professors Susan DeNisco and Shery Watson believe to be a commitment to higher education in an ever-changing, rapidly evolving professional landscape.

Born out of the implementation of a successful nursing leadership course led by Watson in Dingle several years ago, this cross-continental relationship will provide students with a global skill set and a valuable perspective.

In facilitating the partnership, SHU’s School of Nursing faculty is excited to help the Institute build an advanced practice nursing program—one that will help SHU’s goals to send students overseas for important clinical experience and transatlantic research.

“Currently, U.S. and Irish nursing students share a class on nursing leadership, comparing and contrasting their perspectives on the topic. This allows students from both countries to see nursing from a global perspective and understand that the nursing profession transcends geographic boundaries,” DeNisco said. “Now students will be able to experience clinical in a different country, better preparing future nurses to work in a global world.”

With this partnership, current and prospective SHU nursing students can expect clinical observation for a limited number of undergraduates to ensure one-on-one training; clinical placement in medical surgical nursing, community and psychiatric mental health; collaborative nursing leadership; participation in formal IT Tralee courses (including Cultural Orientation, Evidence Based on Practice, Clinical Skills, etc.); participation in the nursing master’s program modules; and a viable visiting nurse exchange program between IT Tralee and SHU.

With the championing of collaboration versus individual efforts, the future looks bright for this particular program. By continuing to grow and expand on the original objectives set forth—sharing of research and expertise to develop further programming, facilitating clinical placement and collaborating on research initiatives—this promising partnership should flourish in the years to come.